Travel Trade Sports Club Celebrates 50 Years at Landmark Annual General Meeting

Travel Trade Sports Club – 50th Anniversary

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Travel Trade Sports Club – 50th Anniversary

The Travel Trade Sports Club (TTSC) proudly marked a historic milestone with the successful conclusion of its 50th Annual General Meeting, held on Thursday, 19th March 2026 at Courtyard by Marriott Colombo.

Celebrating five decades of fostering unity, sportsmanship, and collaboration within Sri Lanka’s travel and hospitality industry, the golden jubilee AGM brought together industry leaders representing airlines, hotels, and travel organizations under one platform.

The proceedings commenced with the traditional lighting of the oil lamp, followed by the National Anthem, symbolizing the club’s enduring commitment to unity and national pride. The meeting was officially welcomed by the outgoing President, Mr. Dilshan Gnanapragasam, who reflected on the club’s achievements and growth over the past year.

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Key agenda items included the confirmation of the minutes of the 49th Annual General Meeting and the adoption of the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements for the year ended 31st December 2025, both of which were approved by the membership.

The General Secretary, Mr. Kanishka Udawatta, presented the Annual Report for 2025, highlighting a year of successful sporting events, a well-attended social gathering, and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives, reaffirming the club’s commitment to both industry engagement and community support.

A key highlight of the AGM was the election of the new office bearers for 2026.

Mr. Bandula Withana of Jetwing Travels was unanimously appointed as President for 2026, succeeding Mr. Dilshan Gnanapragasam of Resplendent Ceylon, who will continue to serve as Immediate Past President.

The Vice Presidents appointed for the year are:

– Mr. Shan Perera (Airlines) – Singapore Airlines

– Mr. Adrian Jansz (Hotels) – Ceylon Hotels Corporation

– Ms. Nalika Abeysuriya (Travels) – Whittalls Travels

Mr. Kanishka Udawatta of Shangri-La Hotels Sri Lanka was reappointed as General Secretary, reflecting the confidence and trust placed in his leadership.

Supporting the Secretariat, Mr. Vivel Kerkoven of Radisson Blu Galadari Colombo was appointed as Assistant General Secretary and will also continue to serve as the Dance Committee Chairman for the year, playing a key role in organizing the club’s special events, including the much-anticipated 50-year celebratory Dinner Dance.

Mr. Lalin Sumanasinghe of Aitken Spence Travels was appointed as Treasurer.

Mr. Rakith Perera of Connaissance de Ceylan was appointed as Social Secretary, who will oversee the club’s social and engagement initiatives throughout the year.

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In addition, the Executive Committee is further strengthened by nine committee members representing airlines, hotels, and travel sectors, ensuring balanced industry representation and continued collaboration.

As TTSC celebrates its golden jubilee, the club looks forward to an exciting year ahead with enhanced sporting activities, stronger partnerships, and a series of special events to commemorate its 50-year legacy.

The Travel Trade Sports Club continues to stand as a unifying force within Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, bringing together professionals through sport, fellowship, and shared purpose.